Have you noticed that sometimes, while brushing your teeth, you see blood in the sink? Your dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach says there could be a few reasons why this is happening. As you read on, he’ll provide 5 causes for gum bleeding and explain some of the treatment methods available to address the problems associated with it.
5 Reasons Why Gums Bleed
Here are some of the more common causes of bleeding gums:
- Gingivitis – One of the reasons that you may be seeing blood is that you have gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease. As a result of plaque buildup, your gums may be swollen, tender and will bleed when you brush your teeth. One thing you can do is to be sure to continue to brush and floss consistently and be more careful with the techniques you use.
- Medications – Certain medications will have adverse effects on your oral health and lead to gum bleeding. This is something that you should pay close attention to because some medications decrease your blood’s ability to clot, which could lead to even bigger problems.
- New Flossing Routine – A change in your flossing habits may cause bleeding as your gums work to adjust to the new routine. This should clear up in a few weeks.
- New Toothbrush – Have you recently purchased a new toothbrush? Are the bristles harder than they would normally be? If so, then you should consult with your dentist about the best option for you.
- Gum (Periodontal) Disease – Finally, if you’ve noticed bleeding, you could be suffering from gum disease in Ponte Vedra Beach. Whereas gingivitis is just the initial stage, periodontal disease is the advanced form of the condition. By this time, you may have lost a portion of your underlying bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place.
How your Family Dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach Can Help
Depending on the severity of your situation, your dentist can employ a variety of treatment methods to restore your normal function and oral health. They include:
- Scaling and Root Planing – This treatment protocol is reserved for moderate cases of gum disease and involves your dentist or hygienist using special tools to probe beneath the gumline to remove bacteria. The procedure also includes the smoothing of the roots of your teeth to prevent them from attracting bacteria in the future.
- Soft Tissue Laser – For more advanced cases, the soft tissue laser method can be used. It requires no surgery, but instead, the laser penetrates the bacteria infested areas so that your gums can be restored to normal.
- Antibiotic Therapy – Because bacteria grows so rapidly, there may be a need for an agent to fight against reinfection while you’re receiving one of the above treatments. The antibiotics can be administered topically or orally.
If you have noticed that your gums are bleeding, it’s important that you not hesitate about visiting your dentist. Thus, you’ll be able to get the help you need and soon enjoy fully healthy gums!
About the Author
Since graduating from dental school, Dr. Kristopher R. Harth has gone on to earn his Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry and also Mastership from the International College of Oral Implantologists. He uses the wealth of knowledge he has acquired to ensure that his patients receive the absolute best care at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry. Dr. Harth can be reached for more information through his website.